"Abba Father"

When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So, you are no longer a slave, but a son, and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. Galatians 4:4-7

Has your child ever had one of those days where enough things go wrong in her world that she just melts in misery? She comes running to you and buries her head in your lap and she is literally a hot mess of tears and snot and pain and sorrow. It really doesn’t matter at that moment whose fault it is, your heart is just consumed with compassion for her as you let her cry and hold her till her storm subsides a bit. I love that kids know they are safe in their parents love to come to them with all the things that make them upset and hurt.

That picture is what I think of when God says he has given us a spirit of sonship that we call God our “Abba Father”. To him we are all little children. I know that because I can feel like that little girl too, I just know how to hide it in my adult way. But God knows me, he knows when I have made a hot mess of life or when I feel the hot mess of hurt around me.

God is not some “elf on the shelf” person who monitors my life and only gives me gifts if I have met all his criteria (which for God is utter perfection). God liberally gives his gift of mercy and compassion just like the parent who comforts a crying child. In fact, God gave the biggest gift anyone can ever give—the very life of his Son, Jesus. That Life is our life, our life forever. That is real Father love.

God wants us to come to him today like a child in the good times to hug him for the wonder of this day and when we are a hot mess. He wants us to be real with him. He can handle the tears and the snot. He loves to lift us up from the mess of sin we make and bring the eyes of our hearts to his eyes of endless, unconditional love. Gaze into the manger, at the cross, and the empty tomb. See the love of your Abba Father for you.

A Daily Prayer
O Abba Father, sometimes I feel like have to be so grown up for the people around me but inside I feel like a vulnerable, bothered little child. I am so grateful for this moment when I can crawl up into your lap and find the comfort of your Father hand on my head and heart. Let the power of your love for me be the reason I live today. Give me opportunities with my family and friends to share the gift of you. Amen